Starting problem...

[Firstymer]

Hi,

I notice my 00' Pontiac Grand Prix SE V6 3.1L has trouble starting right away. I might have to crank it several times until it turn over. The staff at Advance Auto parts check out the battery which is good, however, the alternator is not putting out enough amps which reads on the computer -0.04 amp or something around the range. They told me it should put out about 8-10amps...Also far as the car shutting off while driving, they said it could be my throttle sensor or DEV Valve or something like that. Can you help?

[richtazz]

Do you have a check engine light on, and if so, what codes did they find?

[Firstymer]

Nope, when I turn the car on the check engine light would come on but go away. I notice whenever that happens, I just tap on the gas pedal little and the car starts up right away. Do you think it could be the fuel injector being clog because of that solution and plus I was putting cheap gas sometimes in the car. Or is it the type of gas I put into the engine like instead of unleaded which the car not use to.

[tblake]

you dont use unleaded? Where can one buy anything but anymore? So this means your running maybe e85 or diesel? in a 3.1?

3.1's are notorious for taking an unusually long period of time starting once in a while. Say you tap the key to start it, it turns over, but doesnt quite start. then you go and turn the key again. It may take five seconds of cranking before it will fire and run, maybe even huffing through the intake a little. Then will start and totally run fine.

Somone correct me if im wrong, but I assume that this happens because the computer loses cam position sensor signal temporarily and guesses at what plugs to fire and when. When it guesses the correct coil to fire, the motor starts up and runs just fine. My theory.....

[eippermx]

E85 is formulated for flex fuel vehicles. Reference: http://www.e85fuel.com/information/general_motors.php
Older GPs from what I've learned so far are not designed to store and flow gasoline with high ratio blends of ethanol. Pretty sure the owner manuals mention and caution drivers to avoid ethanol based gasolines. Gaskets and O-rings in those models would deteriorate/dry out over time.
As for deisel....If that was run in it -- the car would run like crap and its name would be "Ol' Smokey."

[Firstymer]

Man for now on....I'm just going to put Midgrade in the tank....The specialist at the tire shop told me it supposed to take High octane-premium > which I think it may help.

[Firstymer]

Originally Posted by tblake

you dont use unleaded? Where can one buy anything but anymore? So this means your running maybe e85 or diesel? in a 3.1?

3.1's are notorious for taking an unusually long period of time starting once in a while. Say you tap the key to start it, it turns over, but doesnt quite start. then you go and turn the key again. It may take five seconds of cranking before it will fire and run, maybe even huffing through the intake a little. Then will start and totally run fine.

Somone correct me if im wrong, but I assume that this happens because the computer loses cam position sensor signal temporarily and guesses at what plugs to fire and when. When it guesses the correct coil to fire, the motor starts up and runs just fine. My theory.....

I believe when I first got a diagnostic test on the engine...the specialist says the code reads PO4889-Air solenold control circuit....what does that means?

[richtazz]

The "specialist" at the tire shop should stick to changing tires, as he doesn't know what he's talking about. Your car doesn't require premium or even mid-grade fuel. The 3.1 and 3.8 series-II run perfectly fine on 87 octane. The only unmodified 97-03 Grand Prix that requires premium fuel is the GTP with the supercharged 3.8.

the code you posted has too many digits, please re-post the code with only 5 total digits (including the letter P)

[Firstymer]

Originally Posted by richtazz

The "specialist" at the tire shop should stick to changing tires, as he doesn't know what he's talking about. Your car doesn't require premium or even mid-grade fuel. The 3.1 and 3.8 series-II run perfectly fine on 87 octane. The only unmodified 97-03 Grand Prix that requires premium fuel is the GTP with the supercharged 3.8.

the code you posted has too many digits, please re-post the code with only 5 total digits (including the letter P)

Oh I'm sorry, here's the code: PO448 do you know what it means....this code was read by a diagnostic test at a shop. Something with Vent Solenoid Control circuit malfunction.....can you please help....because of that is that what makes my car having trouble starting-turning over? I just recently got a oil change and put Fuel injector cleaner.